as in formal
US
appropriate for wearing to an event of moderate formality
She wore a semiformal gown to the wedding.
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Recent Examples of semiformal
But don’t worry, ladies, Mel is wearing some semiformal recovery slip-ons.
—
Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
And while midi-dresses and tea-length styles are totally fine for a semiformal wedding and cocktail attire, longer hemlines are the standard for a black-tie occasion.
—Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 2 July 2025
With its corset bodice and mermaid style, this dress is a showstopper for formal and semiformal weddings alike.
—Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Research from the wedding website the Knot, which surveyed almost 10,000 U.S. couples who got married in 2023, showed that 62 percent of couples opted for a semiformal wedding, while 54 described theirs as romantic and/or fun.
—Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
If the invite specifies semiformal or cocktail attire, go for a dreamy puff-sleeve maxi or an ornate lace mini with a slightly relaxed fit.
—Sam Peters, harpersbazaar.com, 17 May 2023
Worried they might be barred from the semiformal event, Pettigrew donned a jacket and Friedman wore a button-up shirt to cover their T-shirts.
—Samantha Hernandez, USA TODAY, 5 May 2023
Close your eyes for a moment and think of a person wearing head-to-toe white in a room full of others clad in semiformal attire.
—Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 8 Feb. 2023
These security officials developed a thick web of diplomatic channels, including working groups and other semiformal contacts, to smooth over their different regulatory approaches.
—Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 9 July 2013
Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
And while midi-dresses and tea-length styles are totally fine for a semiformal wedding and cocktail attire, longer hemlines are the standard for a black-tie occasion.
—Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 2 July 2025
With its corset bodice and mermaid style, this dress is a showstopper for formal and semiformal weddings alike.
—Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Research from the wedding website the Knot, which surveyed almost 10,000 U.S. couples who got married in 2023, showed that 62 percent of couples opted for a semiformal wedding, while 54 described theirs as romantic and/or fun.
—Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
If the invite specifies semiformal or cocktail attire, go for a dreamy puff-sleeve maxi or an ornate lace mini with a slightly relaxed fit.
—Sam Peters, harpersbazaar.com, 17 May 2023
Worried they might be barred from the semiformal event, Pettigrew donned a jacket and Friedman wore a button-up shirt to cover their T-shirts.
—Samantha Hernandez, USA TODAY, 5 May 2023
Close your eyes for a moment and think of a person wearing head-to-toe white in a room full of others clad in semiformal attire.
—Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 8 Feb. 2023
These security officials developed a thick web of diplomatic channels, including working groups and other semiformal contacts, to smooth over their different regulatory approaches.
—Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 9 July 2013
Recent Examples of Synonyms for semiformal
Adjective
-
In Akita, local authorities requested formal military assistance from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, saying their existing measures – including box traps and bear repellent sprays – weren’t enough.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Being Running Fence’s associate project director was my first formal job in the arts.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The five participants for the second cohort of the Film Frontier Global Networking Program, who will receive 18 months of tailored support to advance their international careers, have been unveiled.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
2 Nov. 2025
-
The goal of the lab is to provide tailored guidance from industry mentors on script development, packaging, and pitching.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Semiformal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semiformal. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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